• Ryan McGee

Feb 15, 2026, 08:51 PM ET

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So, when NASCAR executives lined up for their traditional congratulatory handshakes and photographs with the Daytona 500 victors, it felt like the final period on a chapter of stock car racing history that everyone in the sport was eager to close.

Former legal combatants hugged it out. Hamlin, although much more reserved than normal, was smiling. Reddick ended a 38-race winless streak. Both his sons, both healthy, were in Victory Lane to greet him.

And yes, Jordan made sure he caught a glimpse of Reddick’s Daytona 500 championship ring before he departed. A piece of jewelry plenty shiny enough to take its place alongside MJ’s drawer full of basketball bling forged in buzzer-beaters.

Reddick looked down at that ring and choked a lump down his throat.

“There are a lot of people in here with us right now that have wanted to feel good about something for a long time,” he said. “I can’t imagine much feeling better than this.”